How to Extend the Life of Your 2-Way Radio Battery and Save Money

Whether you’re in public safety, hospitality, or construction, you rely on your 2-way radio’s battery to keep you in communication with your team throughout the day. Here are our top tips to help you get the most of your battery life.

Initialize Your New Battery

Before using a new battery, charge it overnight or for at least 12 hours to maximize its future capacity. New batteries are generally shipped with 50% of its full charge for safety reasons. The charge will decrease over time while in transit, so be sure to fully charge the battery before use.

Power Down Before Charging

It’s important to switch the 2-way radio off before placing it on the charger. To make sure you don’t forget this step, you can also remove the battery from the radio and charge it on its own.

Keep the Battery Clean and Dry

Ensure that the contact points on your radio battery are always kept clean and dry. If your equipment is exposed to water or contaminants, remove the battery, wipe it clean, and dry thoroughly. It’s important for all 2-way radio equipment to have the appropriate IP rating for use in wet or dirty environments.

Don’t Overcharge Your Battery

Only charge your battery when necessary—it’s recommended to charge when the battery reaches 10-20% of its capacity. Avoid using the battery charger as a holder or stand while it’s plugged in, as overcharging will reduce its lifespan.

Protect Your Battery from Extreme Temperatures

Since extreme temperatures will shorten your battery’s lifespan, it’s important to keep the battery away from heat sources such as fire and direct sunlight. Exposure to the cold will also prevent the battery from reaching its full capacity, so avoid extreme cold like the inside of a car during winter. Always store your batteries in a cool, dry place.

Choose the Right Battery Charger

A reliable power source is crucial to staying connected, so make sure to use a compatible, high quality charger for your batteries. You may want to consider a charger with a universal adapter cup system that allows you to charge different types of batteries, a DC adapter that enables you to charge in a vehicle on the go, and LED indicators that let you know when a battery is done charging.

Following these simple tips will increase the lifespan of your 2-way radio batteries and ensure you get the most out of each charge.

IMPACT™ is a world leader in the design and manufacture of unique communication products including surveillance earpieces for a range of industries and applications including public safety, security, hospitality, and others. Contact us today to learn more about our products!